This article shall be known and may be cited as "The Electrical
Code of the City of Lubbock."
(1983 Code, sec. 6-121; Ordinance 8856, sec. 2, adopted 12/12/1985)
As used in this article and in article
28.13, the following terms shall have the meanings ascribed to them as hereinafter set forth:
Board.
Any reference to "The City of Lubbock Board of Electrical Examiners" or the "board" shall mean and refer to the City of Lubbock Building Board of Appeals as established in article
2.03, division
14 of this code.
Building official.
The duly appointed person who holds the position of building
official of the City of Lubbock.
Code.
The electrical code of the City of Lubbock, Texas.
Direct supervision.
The review and inspection of all electrical work by a supervisor,
who shall be either a licensed journeyman electrician, journeyman
sign electrician, in-house journeyman electrician, master electrician,
master sign electrician or in-house master electrician who shall be
actually present at the job site at all times while electrical work
is in progress.
Electrical maintenance work.
The keeping in safe repair and operating condition of any
and all electrical installations, apparatus and equipment within or
without any building or structure or located in or upon any lot or
premises within the City of Lubbock.
Electrical work.
(1)
All wiring, circuits, fixtures, appurtenances and appliances
for the supply of electrical power, for all personal, domestic and
commercial purposes in and about buildings or other structures where
persons live, work or assemble; all wiring, circuits, fixtures, appurtenances
and appliances outside such buildings or structures connecting the
building with the source of electricity;
(2)
The installation, repair and maintenance of all wiring, circuits,
fixtures, appurtenances and appliances in and about buildings or structures
where persons live, work or assemble, for a supply of electricity;
and
(3)
All other activities, including demolition of structures where
energized circuits exist, installations or measures incidental to
the distribution or electrical energy which are covered, regulated
or in any fashion controlled by the specific sections of this code.
Engineer.
A person who is registered to practice engineering in the
State of Texas and is actively engaged in electrical design or consulting
services within the State of Texas.
Graduate engineer.
A person who holds a degree in electrical engineering from
any accredited college or university.
In-house journeyman electrician.
A person with at least four (4) years’ experience in
the electrical trade, who is a full-time employee of a company or
business within the City of Lubbock which employs over one hundred
(100) persons and who is licensed by the board as hereinafter required.
In-house master electrician.
A person with at least four (4) years’ experience as
an in-house journeyman electrician, or a person who is an engineer
or graduate engineer as herein defined who is a full-time employee
of a company or business within the City of Lubbock which employs
over one hundred (100) persons and who is licensed by the board as
hereinafter required.
Inspector.
The building official or his designated representative, qualified
in electrical code inspections who shall have the duty of inspecting
any and all electrical work for code compliance.
Job site.
The specific premises or installation described in the electrical
permit under which electrical work is being performed.
Journeyman electrician.
Any person licensed by the board as a journeyman electrician or any person who has been licensed by any other city operating under the "National Electrical Code," currently adopted edition (see section
28.12.007), or later edition of said code and presents to the building official a certified copy of his license together with a letter from the building official of the city in which the electrician has obtained his license stating that said city has adopted and is operating under the aforementioned National Electrical Code and meets the requirements of section
28.12.066 of this code.
Journeyman sign electrician.
Any person licensed by the board as a journeyman sign electrician or any other person who has been licensed by any other city operating under the "National Electrical Code," currently adopted edition (see section
28.12.007), or later edition of said code and presents to the building official a certified copy of his license together with a letter from the building official of the city in which the electrician has obtained his license stating that said city has adopted and is operating under the aforementioned National Electrical Code and meets the requirements of section
28.12.066 of this code.
Maintenance electrician.
A person with at least four (4) years’ experience in
the electrical trade who is a full-time employee of a company or business
and whose duty it is to maintain the existing electrical system, including
all fixtures and appurtenances contained in a building, structure,
lot or premises owned or operated by his employer.
Master electrician.
Any person licensed by the board as a master electrician or any other person who has been so licensed by any other city operating under the "National Electrical Code," currently adopted edition (see section
28.12.007), or later edition of said code and presents to the building official a certified copy of his license together with a letter from the building official of the city in which the electrician has obtained his license stating that said city has adopted and is operating under the aforementioned National Electrical Code and meets the requirements of section
28.12.066 of this code.
Master sign electrician.
Any person licensed by the board as a master sign electrician or any other person who has been so licensed by any other city operating under the "National Electrical Code," currently adopted edition (see section
28.12.007), or later edition of said code and presents to the building official a certified copy of his license together with a letter from the building official of the city in which the electrician has obtained his license stating that said city has adopted and is operating under the aforementioned National Electrical Code and meets the requirements of section
28.12.066 of this code.
N.B.F.U.
The National Board of Fire Underwriters.
N.E.C.
The National Electrical Code as adopted by the City of Lubbock,
compiled by the National Fire Protection Association.
Residential wireman electrician.
Any person licensed by the board as a residential wireman electrician or any person who has been licensed by any other city operating under the "National Electrical Code," currently adopted edition (see section
28.12.007), or later edition of said code and presents to the building official a certified copy of his license together with a letter from the building official of the city in which the electrician has obtained his license stating that said city has adopted and is operating under the aforementioned National Electrical Code and meets the requirements of section
28.12.066 of this code.
Signs.
Any physical device, panel or installation attached to or
located on a building, premises or structure, used to display any
message or communicate any thought or idea and which uses electrical
current for its intended operation.
Window sign.
Any tubing containing neon gas located or installed on the
inside of any window used to display any message or communicate any
thought or idea and which uses electrical current for its intended
operation.
(1983 Code, sec. 6-122; Ordinance 8856, sec. 2, adopted 12/12/1985; Ordinance 9384, sec. 3, adopted 9/27/1990; Ordinance 10030, sec. 4, adopted 12/11/1997; Ordinance 10228, sec. 4, adopted 9/27/1999; Ordinance 2002-O0114, sec. 3,
adopted 11/14/2002; Ordinance
2004-O0151, sec. 2, adopted 1/13/2005)
This article being a general ordinance intended as a unified
coverage of its subject matter, no part of it shall be deemed to be
impliedly repealed by subsequent ordinances if such construction can
reasonably be avoided.
(1983 Code, sec. 6-123; Ordinance 8856, sec. 2, adopted 12/12/1985)
The building official or his designated representative shall
have identification cards in their possession at all times when engaged
in the enforcement of this code. Identification cards issued in accordance
with this section shall state the name of the individual, the position
held by the individual, the date of issuance and contain a statement
that the individual is authorized to enforce this code. Identification
cards shall be shown upon the request of any person at the job site
to be inspected.
(1983 Code, sec. 6-130; Ordinance 8856, sec. 2, adopted 12/12/1985)
No person discharging the duties of inspector under this code
shall be an employer or employee of or have any pecuniary interest,
direct or indirect, in any business, firm, company or association
engaged in any phase of electrical work within the City of Lubbock.
(1983 Code, sec. 6-132; Ordinance 8856, sec. 2, adopted 12/12/1985)
All electrical work installed within the city shall be installed
in conformity with the provisions of this code and it is hereby declared
to be unlawful for any person, firm or corporation to install any
electrical work in violation of the provisions of this code and the
National Electrical Code as adopted.
(1983 Code, sec. 6-134; Ordinance 8856, sec. 2, adopted 12/12/1985)
The publication entitled "National Electrical Code", 2014 edition (NFPA 70), published by the National Fire Protection Association, a copy of which, authenticated by the signature of the building official, shall be filed with the city secretary as a public record, is hereby adopted as a part of this code as if fully copied herein in detail, except as modified by the provisions of section
28.12.008 and division 6 of this article. In the event of a conflict with any provision of the "National Electrical Code" and the Code of Ordinances, the Code of Ordinances shall govern. References in this code to the "National Electrical Code" or the "N.E.C." shall mean and refer to the 2014 edition.
(1983 Code, sec. 6-141; Ordinance 8856, sec. 2, adopted 12/12/1985; Ordinance 9048, sec. 1, adopted 3/26/1987; Ordinance 9449, sec. 1, adopted 6/13/1991; Ordinance 9640, sec. 2, adopted 9/9/1993; Ordinance 10030, sec. 6, adopted 12/11/1997; Ordinance 10228, sec. 6, adopted 9/27/1999; Ordinance 2002-O0114, sec. 4, adopted 11/14/2002; Ordinance 2008-O0089, sec. 1,
adopted 11/6/2008; Ordinance
2013-O0056, sec. 1, adopted 6/13/2013; Ordinance 2020-O0020, sec. 1, adopted 2/11/2020)
(a) Arc-Flash Hazard Warning.
Article 110.16 is hereby amended
by deleting the entire article.
(b) Available fault current.
Article 110.24 is hereby amended
by deleting the entire article.
(c) Article 210.8 Ground-Fault Protection for Personnel.
Article 210.8 is hereby amended to read as follows:
210.8 Ground-Fault Circuit-Interrupter Protection
for Personnel.
(A) Dwelling Units.
All 125-volt, single-phase, 15- and
20-ampere receptacles installed in the locations specified in (1)
through (9) shall have ground-fault circuit-interrupter protection
for personnel.
(2) Garages, and also accessory buildings that have a floor located at
or below grade level not intended as habitable rooms and limited to
storage areas, work areas, and areas of similar use.
Exception: 15- and 20-ampere simplex receptacles within a garage
that are intended only to serve automatic garage door openers, irrigation
system controllers and freezers. Where a dedicated freezer space is
not indicated or apparent, the freezer exception shall not apply.
(3) Outdoors.
Exception to (3): Receptacles that are not readily accessible
and are supplied by a branch circuit dedicated to electric snow-melting,
de-icing, or pipeline and vessel heating equipment shall be permitted
to be installed in accordance with 426.28 or 427.22, as applicable.
(4) Crawl spaces - at or below grade level.
(5) Unfinished basements - for purposes of this section, unfinished basements
are defined as portions or areas of the basement not intended as habitable
rooms and limited to storage areas, work areas and the like.
Exception to (5): A receptacle supplying only a permanently-installed
fire alarm or burglar alarm system shall not be required to have ground
fault circuit interrupter protection.
Receptacles installed under the exception to 210.8(A)(5) shall
not be considered as meeting the requirements of 210.52(G).
(6) Kitchens - where the receptacles are installed to serve the countertop
surfaces.
(7) Sinks - where the receptacles are installed within 1.8 m (6 ft) of
the outside edge of the sink
Exception to (7): A 20-amp single (simplex) receptacle outlet
for a refrigerator in a kitchen shall not require GFCI protection.
(9) Bathtubs and shower stalls- where receptacles are installed within
1.8 m (6 ft) of the outside edge of the bathtub or shower stall.
(d) Branch circuits required - Dwelling units.
Article 210.11(C)(1)
is hereby amended to read as follows:
(C) Dwelling Units.
(1)
Small-Appliance Branch Circuits.
In addition to
the number of branch circuits required by other parts of this section,
three or more 20-ampere small-appliance branch circuits shall be provided
for all receptacle outlets specified by 210.52(B).
(e) Article 210.12(A)
is hereby amended by adding an exception
as follows:
Exception: A 20-amp circuit supplying a single (simplex) receptacle
outlet for a refrigerator in a kitchen shall not require AFCI protection.
(f) Commercial office space receptacle outlets.
Article
210 III. is hereby amended by adding Article 210.51 to read as follows:
210.51 Commercial Office Space Receptacle Outlets. Office spaces classified as Group "B"-Business by the Building Code
shall be provided with a minimum of four (4) duplex convenience receptacle
outlets per office, and/or shall be provided with a duplex convenience
outlet for each twelve linear feet of usable wall space, with no point
along such wall further than 6 feet from an outlet. Floor outlets
further than two feet from a wall shall not be counted towards meeting
this requirement. In no case shall more than seven (7) duplex convenience
outlets be installed on one 20 amp circuit.
(g) Dwelling unit receptacle outlets - small appliances.
Article 210.52 (B)(1)-(3) is hereby amended to read as follows:
(B) Small Appliances.
(1)
Receptacle Outlets Served.
In the kitchen, pantry,
breakfast room, dining room, or similar area of a dwelling unit, the
three or more 20-ampere small-appliance branch circuits required by
210.11(C)(1) shall serve all wall and floor receptacle outlets covered
by 210.52(A), all countertop outlets covered by 210.52(C), and receptacle
outlets for refrigeration equipment.
Exception No. 1: In addition to the required receptacles specified
by 210.52, switched receptacles supplied from a general-purpose branch
circuit as defined in 210.70(A)(1), Exception No. 1, shall be permitted.
Exception No. 2: The receptacle outlet for refrigeration equipment
shall be permitted to be supplied from an individual branch circuit
rated 15 amperes or greater.
(2)
No Other Outlets.
The three or more small-appliance
branch circuits specified in 210.52(B)(1) shall have no other outlets.
Exception No. 1: A receptacle installed solely for the electrical
supply to and support of an electric clock in any of the rooms specified
in 210.52(B)(1).
Exception No. 2: Receptacles installed to provide power for
supplemental equipment and lighting on gas-fired ranges, ovens, or
counter-mounted cooking units.
(3)
Kitchen Receptacle Requirements.
Receptacles installed
in a kitchen to serve countertop surfaces shall be supplied by not
fewer than three small-appliance branch circuits, any or all of which
shall also be permitted to supply receptacle outlets in the same kitchen
and in other rooms specified in 210.52(B)(1). Additional small-appliance
branch circuits shall be permitted to supply receptacle outlets in
the kitchen and other rooms specified in 210.52(B)(1). No small-appliance
branch circuit shall serve more than one kitchen.
(h) Bathrooms.
Article 210.52(D) is hereby amended to read
as follows:
210.52(D) Bathrooms. In dwelling units,
at least one receptacle outlet shall be installed in bathrooms adjacent
to the outside edge of each basin. The receptacle outlet shall be
located on a wall or partition that is adjacent to the basin or basin
countertop, located on the countertop, or installed on the side or
face of the basin cabinet. In no case shall the receptacle be located
more than 300 mm (12 inches) below the top of the basin. Receptacle
outlet assemblies listed for the application shall be permitted to
be installed in the countertop.
(i) Branch circuit load calculations.
Article 220.10 is
hereby amended to read as follows:
220.10 General. Branch-circuit loads
shall be calculated as shown in 220.12, 220.14, and 220.16. Additionally,
in dwelling units, 20-amp lighting and receptacle loads, other than
the three required small appliance circuits specified in 210.11 (C)(1),
shall be equally divided on twenty (20)-amp branch circuits.
(j) Lighting load for specified occupancies.
Article 220.12 is hereby amended by altering Table
220.12 to read as follows:
220.12 Lighting Load for Specified Occupancies. A unit load of not less than that specified in Table 220.12 for
occupancies specified therein shall constitute the minimum lighting
load. The floor area for each floor shall be calculated from the outside
dimensions of the building, dwelling unit, or other area involved.
For dwelling units, the calculated floor area shall not include open
porches, garages, or unused or unfinished spaces not adaptable for
future use.
Informational note: The unit values herein are based on minimum
load conditions and 100 percent power factor and may not provide sufficient
capacity for the installation contemplated.
Exception: Where the building is designed and constructed to
comply with an energy code adopted by the local authority, the lighting
load shall be permitted to be calculated at the values specified in
the energy code where the following conditions are met:
(1) A power monitoring system is installed that will provide continuous
information regarding the total general lighting load of the building.
(2) The power monitoring system will be set with alarm values to alert
the building owner or manager if the lighting load exceeds the values
set by the energy code.
(3) The demand factors specified in 220.42 are not applied to the general
lighting load.
Table 220.12
General Lighting Loads by Occupancy
|
---|
Type of Occupancy
|
Volt-Amperes per Square Meter
|
Volt-Amperes per Square Foot
|
---|
Armories and auditoriums
|
11
|
1
|
Banks
|
39b
|
3-1/2b
|
Barber shops and beauty parlors
|
33
|
3
|
Churches
|
11
|
1
|
Clubs
|
22
|
2
|
Courtrooms
|
22
|
2
|
Dwelling unitsa
|
33
|
3
|
Garages- Commercial storage
|
6
|
1/2
|
Hospitals
|
22
|
2
|
Hotels and motels, including apartment houses without provision
for cooking by tenantsa
|
22
|
2
|
Industrial commercial (loft) buildings
|
22
|
2
|
Lodge rooms
|
17
|
1-1/2
|
Office buildings
|
39b
|
3-1/2b
|
Restaurants
|
22
|
2
|
Schools
|
33
|
3
|
Stores
|
33
|
3
|
Warehouses (Storage)
|
3
|
1/4
|
In any of the preceding occupancies except one-family dwellings
and individual dwelling units of two-family and multifamily dwellings:
|
|
|
Assembly halls and auditoriums
|
11
|
1
|
Halls, corridors, closets, stairways
|
6
|
1/2
|
Storage spaces
|
3
|
1/4
|
a
|
See 220.14(J)
|
b
|
See 220.14(K)
|
(k) Receptacle outlets.
Article 220.14(I) is hereby amended
to read as follows:
(I) Receptacle Outlets.
Except as covered
in 220.14(J) and (K), receptacle outlets shall be calculated at not
less than 180 volt-amperes for each single or for each multiple receptacle
on one yoke. A single piece of equipment consisting of a multiple
receptacle comprised of four or more receptacles shall be calculated
at not less than 90 volt-amperes per receptacle. This provision shall
not be applicable to the receptacle outlets specified in 210.11(C)(1)
and (C)(2). In no case shall more than seven (7) duplex receptacles
be installed on a single 20-amp circuit in commercial occupancies.
(l) Raceway seal.
Article 225.27 is hereby amended by deleting
the entire article.
(m) Non-residential buildings with multiple services served by underground
service laterals.
Article 230.2 is hereby amended by adding a new subsection
(F), as follows:
(F) Non-residential buildings with multiple services
served by underground service laterals.
For every non-residential
building where multiple services are authorized and are supplied by
underground service laterals, there shall be a designated metering/service
location at the rear of such building on the exterior wall. There
shall be no point along this wall more than seventy-five (75) linear
feet from a metering/service location. No utility service point shall
be closer than one hundred fifty (150) feet from another utility service
point unless otherwise approved. The arrangement and installation
of the conductors and equipment shall be as provided for in Figure
230.96 and Article 230.96.
(n) Point of attachment.
Article 230.26 is hereby amended
to read as follows:
230.26 Point of Attachment.
(A) The point of attachment of the service-drop conductors to a building
or other structure shall provide the minimum clearances as specified
in 230.9 and 230.24. In no case shall this point of attachment be
less than 3.0 m (10 ft) above finished grade.
(B) The point of attachment of overhead service drops on a residence
or building shall be on the rear of the building (alley side), or
at a point agreed upon by the inspector and the serving utility.
(o) Service masts as supports.
Article 230.28 is hereby
amended to read as follows:
230.28 Service Masts as Supports. Where
a service mast is used for the support of service- drop conductors,
it shall be of adequate strength or be supported by braces or guys
to withstand safely the strain imposed by the service drop. Where
raceway-type service masts are used, masts shall consist of rigid
metallic conduit (RMC) or intermediate metallic conduit (IMC) not
less than two (2)-inch trade size, and all raceway fittings shall
be identified for use with service masts. Only power service-drop
conductors shall be permitted to be attached to a service mast. The
point of attachment of the service cable shall be twenty-four (24)
inches above the roof.
(p) Non-residential buildings with multiple services served by underground
service laterals.
Article 230.40, Exception No. 1, is
hereby amended to read as follows:
Exception No. 1: A building with more than one occupancy shall
be permitted to have one set of service-entrance conductors for each
service, as defined in 230.2, run to each occupancy or group of occupancies.
For non-residential buildings containing multiple occupancies served
by underground service laterals in accordance with Article 230.2(F),
installation shall be in accordance with Figure 230.96 and Article
230.96.
(q) Service equipment-General.
Article 230V is hereby amended
by adding a new section 230.67 to read as follows:
230.67 Meter Installation.
(A) Each meter socket installation shall be on the outside of the building,
residence or other structure and shall be mounted not more than six
(6) feet nor less than five (5) feet above the level of the standing
space measured to the center of the meter face, except when the device
or area for mounting the meter base is provided by the serving utility.
(B) Multi-meter bases of two (2) or more meters at any one location shall
have a permanent identification tag (brass, copper or aluminum). Such
tag shall be not less than one inch long, one-half inch wide or one
inch in diameter. Each tag shall properly identify the unit served
by the meter base and be clearly visible. It shall be securely fastened
to the meter base, but not the meter base lid. Tags shall be stamped
with steel numerical and/or alphabetical figures of at least one-eighth
of an inch.
Exception: If visible from the front, non-movable parts of meter
base may be stamped for identification.
(r) Non-residential buildings with multiple services served by underground
service laterals.
Article
230 is hereby amended by adding a new article 230.96 to read as follows:
Article 230.96. Non-residential buildings with multiple
services served by underground service laterals. Non-residential
buildings with multiple services served by underground service laterals
shall have all services configured in accordance with 230.96 (1) through
(7) and Figure 230.96 below, unless otherwise approved.
(1) Sizing of gutter, wire-way or wire trough.
The contractor
shall provide a gutter, wire-way or wire-trough with a minimum size
of eight (8) inch by eight (8) inch by six (6) feet or the National
Electrical Code requirement, whichever is greater, to contain the
service conductors to supply the meter bases and service disconnects
at each metering location.
(2) Service disconnecting means.
Each space requiring its
own meter shall have its service disconnect and disconnects located
at the metering location and there shall be no more than six (6) service
disconnecting means at any metering location without the written consent
of the building official.
(3) Conductors and raceways.
The contractor shall provide
service conductors and raceways from the gutter, wire-way or wire-trough
to the point of connection of the serving utility. There shall be
one additional four-inch conduit provided from each wire-trough to
the point of connection of the serving utility or a terminal junction
box adjacent to the metering location. The contractor shall provide
an acceptable means for at least six (6) meter taps from the service
feed brought to each wire-trough. To insure a proper conductor termination,
the service feed conductors from the point of connection of the serving
utility to the wire-trough shall be copper. They shall be installed
in approved conduit, shall enter the wire-trough from the bottom side
toward one end, shall traverse the entire length of the wire-way and
shall be terminated on an approved termination lug or block as set
forth above.
(4) Sizing of service entrance conductors and equipment.
If the actual load of the building is not known, an assumed load
of twenty (20) volt-amperes per square foot shall be used to size
the service conductors.
(5) Phase-matching and balancing of load.
All service taps
which connect to the building service shall match the phasing of the
building service. Service taps connecting to a 3-phase 4-wire building
service shall be 3-phase and 4-wire taps. Service taps shall be load
balanced before a final inspection is granted and the system shall
be balanced back to the building service.
(6) Method of grounding services.
Multi-meter services shall
be grounded at the service connection point in the wire way and all
service taps shall be grounded to that point. The grounding conductor
shall be sized according to the requirements of Article 250 for the
service size. Refer to Figure 230.96:
(s) Marking.
Article 250.21(C) is hereby amended by deletion
of the entire article.
(t) Grounding electrode system.
Article 250.50 is hereby
amended to read as follows:
250.50 Grounding Electrode System. All
grounding electrodes as described in 250.52(A)(1) through (A)(7) that
are present at each building or structure served shall be bonded together
to form the grounding electrode system. Where none of these grounding
electrodes exist, one or more of the grounding electrodes specified
in 250.52 (A)(4) through (A)(8) shall be installed and used. In new
construction, or in any building reconstruction or addition involving
the new construction of a concrete foundation containing reinforcing
steel that complies with the requirements of Article 250.52(A)(3),
a concrete encased electrode shall be provided as part of the grounding
electrode system. Where a concrete encased electrode or metallic water
piping is used, a supplemental electrode complying with 250.52 (A)(5)
shall be provided.
Exception: Concrete-encased electrodes of existing buildings
or structures shall not be required to be part of the grounding electrode
system where the steel reinforcing bars or rods are not accessible
for use without disturbing the concrete.
(u) Bonding for other systems.
Article 250.68 (C)(3) is hereby amended to read as follows:
(3) A concrete-encased electrode of either the conductor
type, reinforcing rod or bar installed in accordance with 250.52(A)(3)
extended from its location within the concrete to a location above
the concrete shall be permitted.
(v) Bonding for other systems.
Article 250.94 is hereby
amended by deleting the entire article.
(w) Cables and raceways parallel to framing members and furring strips.
Article 300.4 (D) is hereby amended by deleting the entire subsection.
(x) Underground installations (direct buried conductors and cables).
Article 300.5(A) and Table 300.5 are hereby amended to read
as follows:
300.5 Underground Installations.
(A) Minimum Cover Requirements.
Direct-buried cable or conduit
or other raceways shall be installed to meet the minimum cover requirements
of Table 300.5.
(y) Minimum size of conductors.
Article 310.106(A) is hereby amended to read as follows:
310.106(A) Minimum Size of Conductors. The minimum size of conductors shall be as shown in Table 310.106(A),
except that no conductor smaller than No. 12 American wire gauge size
(12 AWG) shall be used in work governed by this code.
Exceptions:
(1) Pendant and portable cords;
(3) No. 14 AWG may be used for individual fixture leads at an outlet
box;
(4) No. 14 AWG may be used for control circuits operating contactors
or relays of a size approved by the manufacturer and the building
inspection department;
(5) Wiring for systems covered under Article 700 (Emergency Systems);
(6) Wiring for systems covered under Article 600 (Electrical Signs);
(7) No. 14 AWG may be used for the wiring of switch legs in residential
occupancies where provided with appropriate over current device.
(8) Notwithstanding exceptions (1)-(7) above, where permitted elsewhere
in this code.
(z) Conductor material.
Article 310.106(B) is hereby amended
to read as follows:
(B) Conductor Material.
Conductors in
this article shall be of aluminum, copper-clad aluminum, or copper
unless otherwise specified.
Exceptions:
(1) Conductors made of aluminum or of an AA-8000 Series aluminum alloy
complying with Article 310.4 may be installed on services and feeders
only. Aluminum conductors must be terminated properly using approved
compression-type crimp lugs installed with a proper tool and with
an approved oxide inhibitor. Such conductors may also be used as branch
circuit wiring in commercial and industrial applications in No. 4
AWG or larger wire sizes, subject to the further conditions outlined
herein.
(2) No aluminum conductors shall be installed on any branch circuits
or grounding systems.
(aa) Uses not permitted (types NM and NMS).
Article 334.12(B)
shall be amended to read as follows:
(B) Types NM and NMS.
Types NM and NMS
cables shall not be used under the following conditions or in the
following locations:
(1)
Where exposed to corrosive fumes or vapors
(2)
Where embedded in masonry, concrete, adobe, fill, or plaster
(3)
In a shallow chase in masonry, concrete, or adobe and covered
with plaster, adobe, or similar finish
(4)
Where subject to excessive moisture or dampness.
(bb) Nonmetallic sheathed cable (Romex)-Uses not permitted.
Article 334.12 shall be amended by adding a new subsection
(C) to read as follows:
(C) Nonmetallic sheathed cable shall not be used in
any type of commercial building nor shall it be used in residential
buildings used as or converted into any commercial use nor in any
building used as, or converted into, convalescent homes, nurseries
or day-care facilities requiring a license from the State of Texas.
(cc) Ampacity.
Article 334.80 shall be amended by deleting
the second and third paragraphs.
(dd) Wet locations (receptacles in).
Article 406.9(B)(1) shall be amended to read as follows:
15- and 20-ampere, 125- and 250-volt receptacles
in a Wet location. 15- and 20-ampere, 125- and 250-volt
receptacles installed outdoors in a wet location shall have an enclosure
that is weatherproof whether or not the attachment plug cap is inserted.
All 15- and 20- ampere, 125- and 250 volt non-locking receptacles
shall be listed weather-resistant type.
Exception: 15- and 20-ampere, 125- through 250-volt receptacles
installed in the following wet locations shall be permitted to have
an enclosure that is weatherproof only when the attachment plug is
removed:
a. Those subject to routine high pressure spray washing;
b. Those customarily designed and located for intermittent, short-term
use during periods where rainfall or other detrimental moisture is
not present.
(ee) Ungrounded systems.
Article 408.3(F)(2) is hereby amended
by deletion of the entire article.
(ff) Field identification required.
Article 408.4(B) is hereby
amended by deletion of the entire article.
(gg) Panel board over current device capacity.
Article 408
III. is hereby amended by adding article 408.35 to read as follows:
408.35. Panelboard Spare Circuit Capacity. Panelboards serving dwelling units shall be provided with capacity
for two additional 120-volt branch circuits, and shall be provided
with a spare conduit of not less than 3/4" trade size installed from
the panel to an accessible crawl space in the attic, under the floor,
or to the outside of the house where there is no accessible attic
or crawl space.
(hh) Luminaries in specific locations.
Article 410.10 is
hereby amended by adding a new subarticle (G), to read as follows:
(G) Flood lights and other Luminaries on or near the
Ground.
Open flood lights or other fixtures containing
luminaries installed on the ground or within eight (8) feet of finished
grade shall be equipped with a guard or protective device to prevent
personal injury from burns or electric shock.
(1983 Code, secs. 6-196, 6-242–6-267; Ordinance 8856, sec. 2, adopted 12/12/1985; Ordinance 2002-O0114, sec. 16, adopted 11/14/2002; Ordinance 2008-O0089, sec. 2, adopted 11/6/2008; Ordinance 2009-O0043, sec. 1,
adopted 6/11/2009; Ordinance
2013-O0056, sec. 2, adopted 6/13/2013)
See Editor's note for article 28.12, division 6 for history of previous
electrical code amendments.
(a) It shall be the duty of the building official to interpret the provisions
of this code as may be necessary to administer and enforce the provisions
hereof.
(b) Any person or persons, jointly or severally, who may be aggrieved
by the interpretation of the code rendered by the building official
may appeal the decision of the building official to the board.
(c) Any person or persons seeking to appeal the decision of the building
official rendered in accordance with this section shall comply with
the following requirements:
(1) Written notice of the appeal must be made to the board within five
(5) days of the date on which the building official rendered his decision.
(2) The appeal must clearly set forth the decision of the building official,
together with the position of the person taking the appeal to the
board.
(3) The person seeking the appeal must set forth his reasons in support
of his position, together with any evidence he may have in support
of his position.
(4) The written appeal shall be filed with the secretary of the board
and a copy delivered to the building official.
(5) The building official shall have a period of five (5) days from receipt
of the appeal to file a response thereto with the board.
(6) In cases of emergency to life or property, which emergency shall
be specifically set forth in the written appeal filed with the board,
the board shall render a decision on such appeal within twenty-four
(24) hours from the time said appeal is filed with the board. The
board shall determine in any such case whether or not a true emergency
exists and its decision in this regard shall be final.
(7) In every case to be heard by the board on an emergency basis the
building official shall be present and be allowed to present his position
to the board.
(8) The decision of the board on any appeal taken under this section
shall be final and binding.
(1983 Code, sec. 6-135; Ordinance 8856, sec. 2, adopted 12/12/1985)
(a) Right of entry.
Whenever necessary to make an inspection
to enforce any of the provisions of this code, or whenever the building
official or inspector has reasonable cause to believe that there exists
in any building or upon any premises any condition or code violation
which makes such building or premises unsafe, dangerous or hazardous,
the building official or inspector may enter such building or premises
at all reasonable times to inspect the same or to perform any duty
imposed upon the building official or inspector by this code, provided
that if such building or premises be occupied, he shall first present
proper credentials and request entry; and if such building or premises
be unoccupied, he shall first make a reasonable effort to locate the
owner or other persons having charge or control of the building or
premises and request entry. If such entry is refused, the building
official or inspector shall have recourse to every remedy provided
by law to secure entry.
(b) Compliance.
When the building official or inspector
shall have first obtained a proper inspection warrant or other remedy
provided by law to secure entry, no owner or occupant or any other
persons having charge, care or control of any building or premises
shall fail or neglect, after proper request is made as herein provided,
to promptly permit entry therein by the building official or inspector
for the purpose of inspection and examination pursuant to this code.
(1983 Code, sec. 6-137; Ordinance 8856, sec. 2, adopted 12/12/1985)
When the building official or inspector observes or if it comes
to his attention that any electrical work is installed contrary to
or in violation of the provisions of this code, it shall be his duty
to immediately notify the responsible master electrician, master sign
electrician, other permitted electricians, or the owner or occupant
of the premises to immediately correct such installation or cease
work on the entire installation until the violation is corrected.
(1983 Code, sec. 6-138; Ordinance 8856, sec. 2, adopted 12/12/1985)
(a) In every case where the chief of the fire department of the City
of Lubbock or its fire marshal determines that a fire originated due
to any of the following causes:
(1) Faulty electrical wiring;
(2) Overloading of electrical equipment;
(3) Unauthorized electrical installation; or
(4) If a fire originating from any cause results in damage to an electrical
system;
it shall be the duty of the fire chief or fire marshal to have
the premises involved fully inspected by the building official.
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(b) In every case where the building official finds that a fire has caused
damage to an electrical system or finds that a fire has originated
for any of the reasons set forth in this section, no electrical service
shall be reinstalled or reconnected to the property by any electrician
or by the owner of such property or any other person until such time
as such system has been repaired in compliance with this code. All
inadequate, substandard or hazardous electrical conditions shall be
repaired to meet present code requirements and be approved by the
building official.
(c) Notwithstanding the provisions of subsections
(a) and
(b) of this section, the building official may approve temporary electrical service necessary to complete repairs or reconstruction of the property in question.
(1983 Code, sec. 6-136; Ordinance 8856, sec. 2, adopted 12/12/1985; Ordinance 9288, sec. 3, adopted 7/13/1989)
(a) In the event any part of any electrical equipment or wiring in or
about any building, facility, installation, premises or lot within
the City of Lubbock is found to have been installed or connected in
violation of the provisions of this code, it shall be the duty of
the building official or inspector to notify in writing the owner
of the premises, or the tenant of the premises, or the person in possession
of the premises to immediately cease using electrical current in any
such violation identified by the building official or inspector.
(b) In the event any part of any electrical equipment or wiring in or
about any building, facility, installation, premises or lot within
the city is found to have fallen into a state of disrepair which would
render the use of such electrical equipment dangerous to life or property,
it shall be the duty of the building official or inspector to notify
in writing the owner of the premises, or the tenant of the premises,
or the person in possession of the premises to immediately cease using
electrical current in any such violation or condition identified by
the building official or inspector.
(c) The written notice required in this section shall state the following:
(1) The date that the inspection was made by the building official or
inspector where violations of this code or conditions dangerous to
life or property were found.
(2) The section or sections of the code which the inspection reveals
have been violated.
(3) In the case of conditions dangerous to life or property, a brief
description of said conditions.
(4) A specified time, not to exceed ten (10) days from the date of the
written notice, to correct all code violations identified or to correct
all conditions identified as dangerous to life or property.
(5) A statement advising the owner, tenant or person in control and possession
of the building, facility, installation, premises or lot that, if
there are any persons using the area in question who require electrical
service for life support, that it is the duty of the person receiving
this notice to immediately and without failure notify the building
official of such fact.
(d) In the event that the owner, tenant or person in possession of the
premises identified in the above written notice fails to take action
necessary to correct any and all code violations or conditions dangerous
to life or property within the time specified in the written notice,
the building official or inspector shall take the following action:
(1) The building official or inspector shall serve upon the owner, tenant
or person in possession of the property an order to cease use of the
property, facility, installation, premises or lot until such time
as proof is presented to the building official that all defects have
been corrected and such work is verified by inspection; or
(2) In every case where the violation of this code found to exist is
of such a nature as to cause immediate danger to life or property,
the building official shall issue an order to the public utility supplying
such power to immediately terminate such electrical service until
such time as all code violations are corrected.
(3) In the event that the owner, tenant or person in possession of the building, facility, installation, premises or lot fails to comply with an order of the building official issued under subsection
(1) above set forth within three (3) days of receipt of said order, then in such event the building official shall issue his order as provided in subsection
(2) above set forth to the public utility providing the electrical services.
(4) Notwithstanding any provision set forth in subsections
(1) through
(3) above, when the building official has been notified by the owner, tenant or person in possession of the building, facility, installation, premises or lot that there is a person residing within any of the foregoing structures or areas who requires electrical service for life support, the building official is authorized to take one or all of the following courses of action:
(A) Notify the owner, tenant or person in possession of the structure
or area described above to immediately make arrangement to provide
an alternative location for the person involved.
(B) Withhold taking action to terminate electrical service for a reasonable
period of time not to exceed ten (10) days.
(C) To terminate all electrical service not necessary for the life support
of the person or persons involved.
(D) To request the city attorney to seek a proper court order requiring
the relocation of the person or persons involved.
(1983 Code, sec. 6-139; Ordinance 8856, sec. 2, adopted 12/12/1985)
This code shall not be construed to relieve from or lessen the
responsibility of any person owning, operating, controlling or installing
any electrical wiring connections, fixtures, appliances, apparatus,
machinery, equipment or work, inside or outside, overhead or underground
in the city, for damages to any person injured by defects therein,
nor shall the city be held as assuming any liability by reason of
the inspection authorized by this code or certificate or permit issued
as provided for and regulated.
(1983 Code, sec. 6-140; Ordinance 8856, sec. 2, adopted 12/12/1985)